Grootbos Foundation Monthly Update | December 2024

16 January

Foundation

From the adrenalin-filled year-end canoeing training camp to preparing for the new and exciting developments at Spaces4Sport, the Grootbos Foundation hosted many a celebration to round off 2024.

Project ‘Pitch Perfect’

Grootbos Foundation can't wait to kick off 2025 with the reveal of the brand new Rhinoturf artificial pitch in Gansbaai which has been sponsored by Premier League, RhinoTurf and Grootbos Foundation on 29 January.  Not only will the new pitch be revealed but Premier League and British Council will be including a free coaching skills programme for 30 local teachers and sports club coaches from 27-29 January - this is their way of investing in the local community through sports development, for the long game!

For the world of youth development through sport, artificial grass is the gold standard. It offers children and teens from townships, a real opportunity to change their life by literally giving them a level playing field. 

Thank you to the English Premier League and RhinoTurf for this astonishing gift and investment in the community of Gansbaai, and in the belief in the promise of hope that sport gives to so many children.

The spirit of the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa lives on in Gansbaai⚽

Sanitation. Period.

The Grootbos Foundation Sports Programme coaches prepared free packs of sanitary products for young female beneficiaries. 

These were distributed to multiple sites including the local Gansbaai Clinic, the social welfare office of Badisa and fellow NPO, iMed Africa. This ensured that all women had easy and dignified access to sanitary products for safe menstrual health during the holiday season.

Canoeing into 2025!

The year-end canoeing training camp is an eagerly anticipated event, with the teams enjoying a short break just before schools close for the holiday season.

Held at Flower Valley and the beautiful Lomond Dam, the opportunity for team members to hang out in a relaxed environment builds camaraderie within. Fitness, strength, conditioning and stamina training set the paddlers off to a good holiday break before the 2025 season begins. Healthy competition and teamwork have built canoeing into a massive success. We would like to thank Sean Privett and Rodger Duffett for the consistent commitment and support they have given to these amazing teams. 

Back2School

The start of a new year is an exciting time for young eager students. At Grootbos Foundation, we provide free stationery kits to all children attending our programmes, helping ease financial pressure on families and giving the children a fresh, well-prepared start.

A donation of R300 helps us to provide primary school and high school packs. If you wish to donate, please follow this link. 

Happy New Year!

To round off another fantastic year, the entire Foundation team gathered at the Grootbos Environmental Centre to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and set goals for the year ahead.

From all of us, deep in the wild valley covered in unspoiled fynbos, we wish you a wonderful new year!